The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) witnessed a dramatic shake-up on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, as its executive committee dissolved amid mounting allegations of sexual assault and misconduct raised by women against various members. This unprecedented move included the resignation of all 17 committee members, including the organisation’s president and renowned actor, Mohanlal.
The dramatic development came after an emergency online meeting where it was decided that the current executive committee, elected in June 2024 and supposed to serve a tenure until 2027, would be disbanded in response to these serious allegations. Notably, these allegations implicate members of the committee itself, creating a significant controversy within the Malayalam film fraternity.
Actor Joy Mathew confirmed to The Hindu that the committee had unanimously agreed to step down due to the grave accusations of sexual harassment against its members, including high-ranking office-bearers. Although the immediate dissolution of the committee signifies a major shift, the existing committee members will continue to serve on an ad hoc basis to ensure that AMMA’s welfare initiatives for its members are not hindered during this period of transition.
The resignation of Siddique, the association’s former general secretary, on Sunday further intensified the situation. Siddique stepped down following allegations of sexual assault made by actress Revathy Sampath. The executive committee’s decision to resign collectively is seen as an acknowledgment of moral responsibility for the increasing allegations that have surfaced, particularly after the release of the K. Hema Committee report. This report delved deeply into the problems faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, shedding light on systemic issues of harassment and abuse.
Further complicating matters, there was growing dissatisfaction and calls for accountability within the ranks of AMMA. Prominent actors such as Prithviraj had publicly demanded that those facing allegations of sexual misconduct should vacate their posts promptly. This rising discontent likely added pressure on the committee to take decisive action and resign.
The next steps involve the formation of a new executive committee, which is expected to take shape within the next two months through a general body election.
. During this interim period, an ad hoc committee will manage the daily affairs of the association to maintain continuity.
The fallout has been significant, with the resignation of not just Mohanlal but also key figures such as vice-presidents Jagadish and R. Jayan. Other prominent names include actors Unni Mukundan and Baburaj, who served as treasurer and joint secretary, respectively. The extensive list of resigning committee members also features Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Tini Tom, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu Mohan, and Anseeba.
The allegations and the subsequent resignations highlight a critical moment in the Malayalam cinema industry. The K. Hema Committee report has evidently played a pivotal role in precipitating these changes, reflecting the broader demand for accountability and systemic reform within the entertainment sector.
This series of events further aligns with global movements where the entertainment industry has come under scrutiny for its treatment of women. The “Me Too” movement, which began in Hollywood, has had reverberations worldwide, and similar patterns of calling out and addressing sexual misconduct appear to be unfolding in the Malayalam film industry.
The coming months will be crucial for AMMA as it navigates the fallout from these scandals. The formation of a new executive committee will be a pivotal moment, potentially setting the tone for how serious the association is about addressing and rectifying issues of sexual misconduct. Stakeholders and members alike will be closely watching how policies and frameworks might evolve to prevent such situations in the future.
In conclusion, the resignation of AMMA’s top brass underscores the pressing need for reform and accountability within the Malayalam film industry. As AMMA prepares to elect a new leadership, there is hope that the association will adopt more stringent measures against sexual harassment, ensuring a safer and more respectful environment for all its members.
